BAR LEONE, HONG KONG

Crowned No.1 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list, Bar Leone sits firmly at the pinnacle of the global cocktail world. A slice of Rome in the heart of Hong Kong, Bar Leone brings bold flavours, rich character, and a deep appreciation for classic Italian drinking culture. 


ROSITA NEGRONI

This month’s serve comes from Bar Leone, one of Hong Kong’s most talked-about cocktail destinations and a bar that’s built a serious reputation for precision, creativity, and consistently world-class drinks. Regularly praised for its attention to detail, warm hospitality, and beautifully executed classics, it’s the kind of place that people go out of their way to visit.

That’s what makes this serve feel particularly special. It’s not something you’d typically come across here in the UK, but rather a drink you’d usually only experience by sitting at the bar itself in Hong Kong.

Bar Leone’s take on the Rosita, a lesser-known riff on the classic Negroni, is built around a base of Reposado Tequila, bringing warmth and depth. Campari and Estate Sweet Vermouth deliver that familiar bittersweet structure, while Cynar adds an earthy, herbal layer. Chocolate bitters introduce a subtle richness, and a grapefruit coin lifts the whole drink with a bright, aromatic finish.

It’s a beautifully layered serve that feels both classic and unexpected, and a rare chance to experience a drink that’s firmly rooted in one of the world’s most exciting cocktail scenes without having to make the trip.

BAR LEONE

Located in Hong Kong’s Central district, Bar Leone is a love letter to classic Italian cocktail bars, inspired by the timeless charm of Rome. Warm, unpretentious, and deeply rooted in hospitality, it’s a place where great drinks and good company take centre stage.

The bar focuses on simplicity done exceptionally well, with a menu of perfectly executed classics and subtle, thoughtful twists. Every detail, from the pared-back interiors to the carefully balanced drinks, reflects a philosophy of restraint, quality, and effortless style.

At the heart of Bar Leone is a dedication to craft and consistency, creating a space that feels both elevated and familiar, whether you’re stopping by for a quick aperitivo or settling in for the evening.

THE DRINK

Their Rosita Negroni is particularly bitter, rich and complex, with the tequila bringing a soft warmth that carries through the bitterness of Campari and the depth of Cynar. Subtle chocolate notes add a rounded, almost velvety finish, while the grapefruit lifts the whole serve with a clean, citrus edge. It’s a refined yet approachable twist on a classic, designed for slow sipping and good conversation.

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TO SERVE YOUR ROSITA NEGRONI

• Pop the pouch in the freezer for 40 minutes until nicely chilled.
• Pour into an ice-filled tumbler or old-fashioned glass.
• Garnish with a slice of orange, slipped into the glass

DRINK!

THE RECIPE

• Reposado Tequila 30ml
  
• Campari 25ml
• Sweet Vermouth 20ml
• Cynar 7.5ml
• Chocolate Bitters 4 dashes
• Garnish with a grapefruit coin

To recreate this delightful Negroni variation, simply follow the instructions below:

• Add the ingredients above to an ice-filled cocktail shaker and stir for 60 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted.
• Pour into an ice-filled tumbler or old-fashioned glass.
• Garnish with a grapefruit coin and serve
• If you want to prebatch your drinks to serve quickly later, just add another 10ml water to the ingredients above, to ‘pre-dilute’ the blend